Young Leaders, Big Impact: A huge thank you to Ark Elvin Academy

Date published: 22.01.2026

At the Brent Centre, we are constantly moved by the passion of the next generation. Recently, the Year 9 students at Ark Elvin Academy took the lead in a series of incredible awareness-raising sessions that left us feeling inspired and deeply grateful.

Additionally, the students' First Give presentation led to a £1,000 grant being awarded to the Brent Centre. This money will enable us to support more young people in need.

The students didn't just share facts, they used creativity and physical challenges to represent the real-world experiences of those living with mental health struggles.

Creative Advocacy in Action

The students designed unique activities to help their peers step into the shoes of others:

Hair Braiding for Self-Care: Students were offered hair braiding to symbolise the difficulty of maintaining self-care routines when struggling with mental health.

The Wall-Sit Challenge: This physical test was a powerful metaphor for the "hidden struggle", the internal strength required to keep going when things feel heavy.

The Support System Photo Booth: By capturing memories with friends, the students encouraged everyone to reflect on the vital support networks we all need during tough times.

Going Above and Beyond

Beyond these thought-provoking sessions, the Year 9s were busy raising vital funds for our centre. Between a non-uniform day and a sweet stall, their hard work resulted in a significant contribution that will go directly toward supporting our projects.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To the students of Ark Elvin Academy, thank you! Your empathy, leadership, and creativity are exactly what we need to break the stigma surrounding mental health.

You haven't just raised money, you’ve raised the bar for what student activism looks like!